Published: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 10:27 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 10:27 p.m.

In 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was founded by 150,000 citizens concerned with the defense of America’s coastline. In May 1948, it was designated as the Air Force auxiliary, charged with emergency service, cadet programs and aerospace education.

Today, when you hear of the CAP, it might be because of its participation in search and rescue efforts.

Recently, when a pilot from Camp Lejeune crashed, several North Carolina CAP squadrons assisted authorities in locating the downed plane. Unfortunately, the pilot did not survive.

The CAP unit based in Oak Island has recently acquired a flight simulator, which might help train future aviators to assist in such searches.

The simulator is “a great addition to our arsenal of training tools,” said Capt. Kathy Nicholas, aerospace education officer for MER-NC-170, based at the Cape Fear Jetport on Oak Island.

“Our cadets and senior members can now use this training aid to learn more about flying and aircraft and to keep up-to-date on their flying skills,” she said. “This is one of the first CAP flight simulators installed and operational in the state. The cadets are very excited about the acquisition.”

The squadron has a four-seater Cessna 172 routinely used for cadet training and observation flights. By having the simulator to practice on, they can be better prepared for any emergency they might encounter, Nicholas said.

The squadron is also working with the nationwide STEM program, encouraging students with interests in science, technology, engineering and math to pursue those studies. It is also beginning to familiarize them with the Cyber Patriot program, teaching them about firewalls and how to prevent computer hacking.

Cadets Ross Mundy, Kevin Willets and McKel Cook agreed the CAP has made a difference in their lives.

<p>In 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was founded by 150,000 citizens concerned with the defense of America's coastline. In May 1948, it was designated as the Air Force auxiliary, charged with emergency service, cadet programs and aerospace education.</p><p>Today, when you hear of the CAP, it might be because of its participation in search and rescue efforts.</p><p>Recently, when a pilot from Camp Lejeune crashed, several North Carolina CAP squadrons assisted authorities in locating the downed plane. Unfortunately, the pilot did not survive.</p><p>The CAP unit based in Oak Island has recently acquired a flight simulator, which might help train future aviators to assist in such searches.</p><p>The simulator is “a great addition to our arsenal of training tools,” said Capt. Kathy Nicholas, aerospace education officer for MER-NC-170, based at the Cape Fear Jetport on Oak Island.</p><p>“Our cadets and senior members can now use this training aid to learn more about flying and aircraft and to keep up-to-date on their flying skills,” she said. “This is one of the first CAP flight simulators installed and operational in the state. The cadets are very excited about the acquisition.”</p><p>The squadron has a four-seater Cessna 172 routinely used for cadet training and observation flights. By having the simulator to practice on, they can be better prepared for any emergency they might encounter, Nicholas said.</p><p>The squadron is also working with the nationwide STEM program, encouraging students with interests in science, technology, engineering and math to pursue those studies. It is also beginning to familiarize them with the Cyber Patriot program, teaching them about firewalls and how to prevent computer hacking.</p><p>Cadets Ross Mundy, Kevin Willets and McKel Cook agreed the CAP has made a difference in their lives.</p><p>“It has boosted my leadership skill,” Cook said.</p><p>Community News: 343-2364</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @StarNewsOnline</p>